Effect of Web-Based Training on Complication Control and Quality of Life of Spinal Cord Damaged Individuals: Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of web-based training on complication control and quality of life of spinal cord-injured patients. Methods: A pre-test-post-test, experimental study including a control group. A total of 62 men participated from two different physical therapy and rehabilitation hospitals. The training, monitoring, and data collection steps were provided via a webpage (www.omurgahemsirelikegitim. com) and telephone. Results: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding the complications related to respiration, circulation, gastrointestinal, urinary, and musculoskeletal systems. Regarding the complications related to sexual life, comparing experimental and control groups the pre and post evaluations, detected an increase in difficulty in sexual life after the injury both experimental and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality of life scale subscale scores. Conclusion: These results show that telephone monitoring plus web-based training is effective in controlling disease complications in patients with spinal cord injury. However, to improve the quality of life, it is important to establish interventions involving individuals and families, and physical, social and mental health services.